Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have found clarity in their leadership ahead of IPL 2026, with Ishan Kishan set to continue as captain despite Pat Cummins’ return to India.

Cummins to Miss Multiple Matches
Although Pat Cummins arrived in India on March 24, he will not feature in the opening phase of the tournament. SRH begin their campaign on March 28 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but Cummins is expected to sit out not just the first match, but a significant portion of the season.

According to the latest updates, the Australian all-rounder is likely to miss at least the first 7–8 matches and could return only in the second half of the league.

Recovery Still Ongoing
Cummins recently shared that he is recovering from a back injury and is gradually regaining fitness. While he has resumed light bowling in the nets every few days, he is not yet match-ready.

He expressed optimism about returning later in the tournament and even hinted at aiming to be fit for the playoffs and final stages.

Ishan Kishan to Continue as Captain
With Cummins unavailable for the first half, SRH have confirmed that Ishan Kishan will continue to lead the side. Earlier uncertainty over captaincy has now been resolved with this development.

Kishan brings strong leadership credentials from domestic cricket, where he has an impressive T20 captaincy record—winning 24 out of 29 matches.

A Big Opportunity for Kishan
IPL 2026 presents a major opportunity for Ishan Kishan to establish himself as a capable leader on the big stage. His performance as captain during the initial phase could play a crucial role in shaping SRH’s campaign.

Conclusion
While SRH will miss the experience of Pat Cummins early in the season, the team will rely on Ishan Kishan’s leadership to navigate the opening matches. Cummins’ expected return in the second half could provide a timely boost as the tournament progresses toward the playoffs.